About Us

The Royal Commonwealth Society, originally called the Colonial Society, was founded in 1868 under Queen Victoria. It has grown into a network of individuals and organizations committed to improving the lives and prospects of people across the world. Through youth empowerment, education, and advocacy, the RCS promotes the values of the modern Commonwealth around the world. The RCS champions human rights, democracy, and sustainable development through an international network and across the 53 member states, which are intrinsically linked through their common history and shared values.

The RCS had long sought to have an affiliate in the United States. Learning of this, Governor Phil Bryant of Mississippi endeavored to form the Royal Commonwealth Society Branch of the United States (“RCSUSA”). RCSUSA was established in the fall of 2017. RCSUSA works with the other member countries to uphold shared values and principles, including the protection and promotion of democracy, the rule of law, and the expansion of economic development.

When asked about his interest in forming the RCSUSA, Governor Bryant said “The fraternal links between the United States and the United Kingdom and the commonwealth countries are strong and well established beyond our language, common legal systems, and shared values. The establishment of the RCSUSA will provide us the opportunity to strengthen these relationships economically and to allow our young people to understand and respect the value of these relationships. America has no closer friends than the United Kingdom and the member nations of the RCS.”